Top Single Engine Airplanes for the Money!

I break down the top general aviation single airplanes and score them to fin out which one is the best bacng for the buck!
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[@tkeforever4809]

A Mooney M20 pilot collided mid-air on the 45 downwind pattern to Palomar Airport (CRQ) with my CFI, Andreas Pelzer and his Commercial student in a Beechcraft Dutchess in late 2002. I regretfully ceased my Private Pilot training after delivering eulogies at 2 funerals. For the first time since, I recently went up in a beautiful Tiger, overcame my fear and am finishing out my ticket soon. I still miss Andreas terribly, but know he’s smiling down on me again and I’m so grateful to him for imparting his love of flying to me!

[@presleycosta4127]

wow CRQ is my home airport very sad

[@siliconiusantogramaphantis2122]

Is the Mooney safe then?

[@eksno]

@@siliconiusantogramaphantis2122 When it comes to midair collisions I don't think it matters what civilian plane you're in.

[@zendoc49]

a midair collision spoils the day is th quote on the all in my airforce flight briefing room

[@RaceMentally]

How does this even happen. Buy a lotto ticket

[@geoffgelow4241]

Bobby, you may want to check this video out at the 4:30 minute mark. I suspect something went wrong.

[@MikeKobb]

Great idea for a video! Another factor that's worth considering is the useful load. A plane might be inexpensive, quick, and economical, but if it can't carry what you need to carry, it just doesn't matter. That's one thing that's great about the 182 -- it's such a hauler.

[@bigrich6750]

Useful load would be nice to include on your evals.

[@Breadstick182]

True

[@evanwindom3265]

Agreed. I loved my Hawk XP, but the useful load was the one thing that was disappointing.

[@beauguidry2307]

Love it! Mooney Ovation owner here, love love love those planes!

[@dylanrudney8629]

Would be interested to see this list for single engine 6 seaters

[@drey8696]

Wouldn’t be hard to do as popular choices are limited. Here is a stab off the top of my head. roomiest: PA46, PA32 fastest: PA46, A36/210 cheapest: PA32 260 Range: PA46, 210/A36 most rugged: 206 most payload: PA32 Best handling: A36 Lots of variants here (retracts, turbos, pressurized). PA46 is a newer design and typically much more expensive.

[@Dbro172]

Totally agree with this assessment, especially #1 and #2, the Viking and Mooney. (Having flown all of these planes and owned a Mooney, 182, Vans RV-9A and currently a Super Viking). Super Viking is a special machine; i am in love.

[@kymbiddell7467]

Very interesting, thanks, looking fwd to the coming aircraft you get to fly in, have a great year

[@evanwindom3265]

I used to own a '76 Cessna Hawk XP II. Basically, a 172 with a six cylinder engine and 210hp. It's not a racecar because you're still dragging a Cessna airframe around, but I bought it because of its very predictable characteristics, good climb performance, and great visibility. I was doing T&Gs one day, and the tower controller asked me to identify my aircraft type. Apparently, 172s aren't supposed to be able to climb like that. (I won't tell if you don't.) I've been heavily involved in SAR, where low wing aircraft just aren't the best option. The extra horsepower and polite low speed characteristics were well suited to the work. I miss my XP.

[@robertweekley5926]

I couldn't Get a C-182 a few times, and used the C-172XP as a close Replacement! Agree- it's a Great Performer as Cessna's Go, less fuel burn than the Continental O-470, and nice Injected Engine, too! Good Prep for the C-182RG!

[@evanwindom3265]

@@robertweekley5926 Yep. It was also lighter and felt more nimble than the Skylane. I miss my Hawk.

[@pirateracer69]

Very interesting list. New comers to aviation need videos like that. I would not include but definitively talk about the world of home built aircraft to them. Thank you M. White

[@walterfink9782]

When I took my flying lessons, in the late 70's to early 80's, I was traveling for a living, hence longer lesson times and dates. I only flew, Piper aircraft. Cherokee 140, 150, 180 plus the Dakota II. I miss those days.

[@evanwindom3265]

One would think that the flight characteristics would be something you'd care about when rating aircraft. There's a reason, for example, that so many choose 172s for flight training. They're really well mannered.

[@kenjohnson6137]

Thanks for recognizing Mooney as #1. I’ve enjoyed mine for 16 years.

[@Acc0rd79]

Great video! I am looking to buy my own plane now. Just got my complex endorsement in a Mooney M20C and I loved that plane, it is definitely the sports car of the skies:)

[@PilotFun101]

Love my MooneyM20C. Great planes all the way around!! Thanks for sharing!

[@discovertree55]

I think you missed the boat excluding the Socata TB 20. I own a 1989 with IO 540, cruises at 151kt and over 700NM range. Great useful load not to mention trailing link landing gear makes for extremely smooth landings! The TB20 Trinidad sips fuel and is unbelievably comfortable. Great value from purchase and operating cost perspective. Love to take you for a ride in this unbelievably under rated plane.

[@mattholsopple]

I really appreciate these videos and the way you put them together. I’m hoping to purchase my first airplane within the next year and your videos have really helped me narrow down my search. With that said, would you feature a 1970’s Rockwell Commander 112 or 114? Along with the Mooney, the commander is high on my list with a bit more comfort. Thanks!

[@ShuRugal]

1964 M20C $39,500 43.5" cabin width 145 KTAS @ 10k' MSL 65% cruise - 8-9 GPH 900 mile range at that cruise setting 950 lb useful load (630 lbs with full fuel and oil) hilariously economical for a type-certificated airplane. I love mine.

[@larrybridgewaterjr2841]

I enjoyed this video and concept. This would be fun to breakdown different boat categories on your sailing channel. Thank you for sharing!

[@robertthrailkill1368]

Well done. Quick and to the point. Good choices.

[@Ary99neto]

I’m a fan from Brazil! Really enjoy your videos, looking forward for a baron or duke video. Maybe even a Royal duke...

[@janwalor3014]

Informative and pretty well researched. The T182RG I think should make the list before the 177. I agree on the Mooneys. Probably is the best bang for t he buck, but the old Piper Comanche C models. For the difference in price one could fly a lot of hours.

[@jamesbarrick3403]

Cool video. You have all of the factors evenly weighted it appears. I might weight the factors just a bit to my own preference. But thanks for so much needed information in a short video!! I rate this video a 10 vs the hundreds of others I have seen. I would also like to see a similar video that would concentrate on more modern single engine craft like cirrus, etc. Avionics would be a factor I would think.

[@digitalpilot6854]

Why is the bellanca section blurred?

[@HarryPotter047]

Porn from Japan

[@ElectroAtletico]

overflying Area 51

[@ChewyToeNails]

I used technology to unveil the hidden image section of this video and found nothing really interesting whatsoever. It was just a misplaced clip the dude here had mistakenly inserted showing some grey aliens sitting in a room with bigfoot, and the loch ness. Each were just chilling watching their own videos. The grey's were laughing at archived footage of the military standing in the middle of nowhere roswell nm scratching their heads, loch ness was watching shark week on discovery, and bigfoot was watching swedish screaming goat porn imported from an antarctic substation fetish company that specializes in fainting goat comedies. Like I said nothing really intriguing to get worked up about.

[@2livenoob]

Copywrite footage

[@countersteer713]

Didn't watch the final video before posting

[@thedesertpilot3118]

Hey Bobby I love these videos! I've binged tons of them lately. Could you share what your camera setup is? I'm really interested in your mounts you use for (presumably) the tail tie down, interior suction mounts, and the camera that has speed and altitude data!

[@mrbob92679]

I learned to fly in cessnas and I got a chance to fly a mooney . The cockpit seemed so tight almost like a 152. After that it was a dream plane. I'm surprised it's #1 but glad it's a very cool plane.

[@cq7415]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@buckbuchanan5849]

Yes, I flightplan my Tiger for 130 kts. With 51 gallons usable @ 10 gl/hour, have decent range. And it flies like a little fighter.

[@JessicaTidd]

Also check out the Bellanca Cruisair Senior... under 30k complex, and if you have the larger engine (185 hp Lycoming like the older Bonanzas o435c), TAS is 165 mph (143kts) and it takes off in under 600’. I have a 1947 14-13-2. Great bird!! I just bought a second one to restore with the Franklin engine.

[@ThomasLeNinja]

Glad to know the mighty Mooney is number #1!

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Excellent stuff

[@tomiasthexder7673]

No payload consideration....one of the most important considerations. No point going anywhere if you can't carry anything

[@nunyabidness3075]

Tomias Thexder, people always say that, but most buyers private buyers vastly over estimate their needs on payload. Those extra seats just rarely get used at all. Most planes have pristine rear seats. Buyers also fall for the full fuel payload trick which is just laughable unless it’s a rental. Putting smaller tanks on planes and acting like it’s a feature had to be one of the best con jobs in marketing history.

[@quidestnunc9238]

@@nunyabidness3075 Oh so true and accurate on multiple fronts for a wide variety of reasons. [Please also see my Cost of Ownership comments to You elsewhere in this piece.]

[@twisterwiper]

I’m not sure I want “bang” when buying an aircraft 😬

[@NAubc]

How about best splat for your buck?

[@TechViewOpinions]

Excellent segment type!

[@bkg5455]

Excellent! Top Ten Bang-for-Buck twins next please!

[@arumrunner]

I would love to see a Tail Dragger Top 10!

[@Jordan.Is.Novice]

New video idea: same thing but experimental planes. Then do a top 10 on the same categories for certified and experimental. Might put a "certified" factor in your score when comparing.

[@EatPezzzz]

See my comment about my Long EZ. Beats most of these in nose of the categories. After owning an experimental, I'll never go back to certified.

[@rbell722]

Great concept. Thanks.

[@Buck305]

Hey Bobby, you got it right. I love my Mooney!

[@noumaanrajput]

Very informative video

[@shawnengstrom3906]

Very good list. The only ones I don't lime are the Grumman and the termite trap 😂. I agree with your #1 pick and think the Cherokee 180 would be a little higher up that list. The often forgotten Commanche 250 is a really good plane for the $$ and the speed you get.

[@chriscusick3273]

I agree with this list. I don't agree with much either. I own Mooney M20a, Bellanca 260b, Bonanza and wish I had a Comanche 250. Excellent comparison process here.

[@thomasmcmanus6575]

Cool video !Thank you for the 411.👍👍👍

[@jamesschilling4659]

👍👍 Great review, Bobby, well thought out comparison! Keep'em coming. 👏😀😎✝✌️🆒☮🇺🇸

[@KindaCoolDad]

Nice video! It looks like the Grumman specs you provide are for the Traveller, not the Tiger, though. Also, are the Cessna 177 specs for the RG variant?

[@TheArborNut]

Pleased to see a Mooney show up on your site, but I am surprised because I have noticed that you do not have an interview or video on the Mooney. If you are going to be in the Seattle area sometime, I may be able to help you with that. Would love to see you fly a Mooney on this channel! Thank you for sharing your experiences!!

[@mgillign]

Doug scores of aviation. Awesome!

[@kjmdrumz3]

Except he’s not a douche like Doug

[@terrycarraway4095]

Interesting, but I did my Private, and a good bit of flying after, in a Grumman Tiger. I would plan on 132 knots cruise speed and typically beat that. With the Sensenich prop STC the cruise speed is up around 140 knots.

[@daszieher]

My pick would be a '50s Bonanza. They're fairly cheap and seem to offer a lot for the price. Of course, not as fast or decked out as a newer model, but the ramp appeal is unbeatable.

[@einweiesblattpapier2676]

Hey, Nice Video! May I ask wich source you got the prices and range from?

[@alrizzotti1019]

Have you ever tested a Rockwell Commander 114?

[@leavethekatoutside]

My favourite thing about Mooneys is deciding whether or not your choice of headset will bring it up to their max useful load

[@MrColdwatercanyon]

Good review Bobby Liked

[@mikemccarron1162]

Was an interesting video thanks, enjoyed it but also really surprised the piper arrow didn’t even make the cut in this group of contestants..

[@ardz8279]

While you're in Dallas, wouldn't it be great to be able to review one of the regularly flown Beechcraft Starships (yes, plural) at AQRD in Addison? THAT would be a great review for you to do!

[@ruslanulko8195]

Great video I need a float planes review ;)

[@bsinger339]

Come to the Atlanta area, would love to take you up in my 182!

[@keithvick1432]

Useful load was one of my biggest reasons for buying a Comanche 250. If I'm correct, I believe it's higher than any of the other 9 aircraft in the comparison. It's a true 4 seater plus luggage.

[@waqarsyed6641]

Love the Mooney definitely Mooney

[@austinbyrd5313]

Spot on list. I'm on my 2nd Mooney, an M20k 231 with the 252 engine conversion; wouldn't own anything else in this category. At 67% power, TAS is 168 kts, burning 11 gph, and with 4 modestly sized grown ups, 3 hours range is no problem (we pack light). With 2 on board, 1,000 nm range. Great list though - love the Cheetah, Cardinal, Comanche, and Debonair for the money too (they just can't match the Mooney's efficiency and durability). Someone will buy Mooney and keep making the parts - there are too many out there for that not to happen.

[@chadpollman7970]

Cherokee, 172, and Bonanza in the bottom three spots? I better grab some popcorn for the comments section; ought to be a doozy. 😎🍿

[@dannysmith9005]

Agreed.

[@047thRonin]

Great video, after a year I'm still looking for my first airplane and this is very valuable information

[@Wolficorntv]

Fun video but I would be remiss to not correct you on your Grumman Tiger stats. Purchase cost is at least 20K too low, as far as age, they produced them as late as late as 2006. Cruise speed is 135 kts, range is 550 miles with 45 reserve. If you're ever in SoCal, I'm happy to take you up in mine :)

[@JustPlaneSilly]

Shhhhh he called my traveler a tiger. I'm going with it.

[@rodolfocastro3222]

Nice and informative!!!!!! Good job!

[@johncavanagh1000]

You're off on a few of your speeds, I owned Cardinal RG, it would cruise at 140 all day long, most Mooney M20 owners I talk to said their Cruise speed was 155. My friend owns a Grumman tiger and cruises at 135, most older 172 cruise at 115 knots. I own a 182rg that cruise is at 150 knots with 700 mile range with 4 adults

[@brians2808]

Nice video! But would have been also nice to see Useful Load ranked.

[@morganbeasley]

Need useful load and mission diversity, ie which could handle rougher strips or have skis available? Which has bigger baggage for large format items like skis or folding bike? Also might call it top ten tricycle gear airplanes single engine airplanes...

[@olliedude8]

Where are you guys shopping for planes? I need to know. Looking for one but am very new to the scene

[@Skyprince27]

Ha ha, I came here to see if the Cherokee 180 [which I covet fervently] was on the list. Not disappointed! ☺️

[@reyesben]

Lots of praise below but I’d like to see the table / spreadsheet. It was hard to follow. I love the tiger

[@geekdomo]

I was hoping Mooney would be up near the top. Nice list

[@indridcold8433]

I found a 1978 Cessna 152 for sale with flight worthiness certificate for £18.000. It still had the original, outdated, clockwork guages and radio, but it flew. It only lasted a few days on the market. I missed a good chance.

[@equaltothetaskaviation6440]

good evaluation mate, also just got on to your sailing channel, really enjoying the content there to

[@chriskeller3705]

I am starting the process of getting my gen aviation. Hopefully someday I’ll be able to afford my own plane instead of using the flight school’s. The Super Viking would be my top choice right now!

[@multitieredinvestor5246]

Used to own a Comache 180.

[@flyingpooch1465]

I drive past the Mooney plant every day. Sad seeing the doors closed. Every once in a while a door will be open, but can't see much going on.

[@rebelyell22]

They're back opened

[@Buck305]

@@rebelyell22 I think they shut down again January 7th

[@rebelyell22]

@@Buck305 yea, I just read the thread on Beechtalk. Damn.

[@daszieher]

They unfortunately didn't manage to bring the production costs down. I wonder why they didn't relaunch the M20C as a budget version.

[@max_archer]

I flew a Cherokee a couple of weeks ago and really couldn't get along with it. The cabin width was probably the main issue but 172s are the same size on paper and not as bad for me, I guess it's the way the controls are laid out in relation to the cabin wall. Something weird about the sensitivity and response of the controls really caught me out as well. To be fair it was a pretty rough example and I could probably get used to it with time but it left a bad taste in my mouth.

[@scottspitler1443]

Makes me wonder why there are millions of Bonanzas/Debonairs at many FBOs, but only a few Comanches, Super Vikings, Cardinals, etc on the same ramp. Four adults and each with a weekend backpack? Comfortable for 4+ hour legs? Able to load two full-sized bicycles in the front door? Grass runway? 160 TAS? Seems like only the Bonanza is a real contender. A Cessna 210 might be close but apparently that airframe was not considered.

[@docholiday7758]

The Van’s RV-8...182 mph cruise @ 7.2 gph. 22,000 ft service ceiling. 275 ft takeoff ground roll.

[@blucklightfoxartinnovation9357]

nice video well done keep up the good work flying doodles a+ brother ;)

[@rebelyell22]

You need to do a video with my 182R!

[@USNVA11]

Those stats weren’t for a Tiger. I am half owner of a 1978 Grumman AA-5 Tiger and she is a total sweetheart to own and operate. 135 knots any day of the week. Total refurb two years ago with strip to bare metal and repaint, new plexiglass and a new interior. PowerFlo exhaust, new radios, ADS-b, GPS, electric aileron trim, LED lights, you name it. She looks like a new airplane.

[@cruiserflyer]

Where do you live? I want to meet your sweetheart!

[@par5eagles]

Fun video. FYI, the Grumman Tiger can't be had in "flyable condition" for $40K... that's not going to happen these days. More like $80k+. Maybe a Traveller at that price?

[@gorgly123]

The plane in the video is a Traveller not a Tiger. Also, a Tiger's cruse speed is closer to 135 knots. I use to own one.

[@par5eagles]

@@gorgly123 Exactly!

[@JustPlaneSilly]

That's my traveler

[@par5eagles]

@@JustPlaneSilly Maybe you should throw a Tiger sticker on the vertical stab, that will give you 30HP and 20 knots right out of the gate! :-)

[@Sss12698]

10. Cherokee 180 0:25 9.Cessna 172 0:56 8.Beechcraft bonanza 1:27

[@pilotreefer2930]

I will be in KHWO this weekend

[@gabee.8633]

Just realized he's the Doug Demuro of aircraft. Its pretty great.

[@themiller8754]

I've never heard a single Cardinal RG pilot, except the one you interviewed, state a cruise speed under 140-145kts. At 130kts his almost had to be giving him fuel back, cant imagine the burn was over 7gph.

[@jorgegregoratti]

NICE VID BOBBY!!!!

[@quidestnunc9238]

Bobby: 1) no Musketeers (Sundowners, Sierras, Supers) ?? 2) $80k-$85 is good for one plane, yet deficient for another ? 3) retracts intermingled with fixed gear planes ?? (Please see #4) 4) Insurance these days is a deal killer [Please watch recent Aviation Consumer Magazine YT channel episode on Insurance]

[@trangenusa]

How come your pictures from the Bellanca Super Viking is all BLURRY, one feature you don't mention is how many seats, i want to know which can seat 4 or 5 or 6 or 7.

[@MrAlwaysBlue]

3;45 Grumman Tiger, range 350 kts ??

[@justinofboulder]

We be in Dallas on the 25th for a Sailing regatta.....

[@abraham05071978]

The Cherokee 180 you showed here was Tom’s Cherokee 235...!

[@gilbertfranklin1537]

Yep - 2 extra points for the Mooney tail !

[@achillesmjb]

Was looking to buy a Mooney. After a lot of research I noticed that EVERY Mooney I looked at had a prop strike at some point in its history (sometimes listed as "sudden engine stoppage") requiring an engine teardown and inspection.

[@wburtney5154]

Most Mooney's I have seen around the airports near me have had a prop strike too.

[@achillesmjb]

@@wburtney5154 Negates the on paper operating advantages.

[@rogeliolopez2190]

I think it has to do with how unforgiving mooneys are with flare speeds, just land 2 knots faster and you can really mess up. so maybe they had a bouncy landing (because of improper flaring) and strikes on the propeller. Not saying its 100% true but a possibility.

[@andrewdixon3538]

I agree, the M 20 Mooney is the clear winner in my mind as well. However, the 2nd Pl., Ballanca it’s not really in the same league in my mind. You did point out that it did have substantial wood construction but you didn’t say anything about It’s mostly a fabric covered airplane not metal! Well today’s fabrics are better than the old cotton days that was used when I was a kid, it’s still not metal.

[@bucaneervideo7918]

You seem to have forgotten things like cost and availability of parts in your evaluation.

[@ricsha91]

Need to change the title on the Grumman to Grumman Traveler. The Tiger has better range and is faster than the Traveler.

[@gorgly123]

Yep

[@toddy2519]

The Cheetah will also outrun the Traveler!

[@MrDavesbox1]

my tiger was solid at 140 knots, and 600 mile range.....

[@gordonfeliciano4315]

Agreed.. I own a 77 AA-5B Tiger... max range is 714 nm at 10 GPH with 51 gallons usable cruising at 140 KTAS at 8,500 MSL, 574 nm with a one hour reserve. I can lean her out to cruise burning 8.5 GPH if I have to. Average annual runs me $1,200.. insurance $850 a year. Very affordable, relatively speaking. Payload is 950 lbs.

[@MrDavesbox1]

@@gordonfeliciano4315 i had a Tiger with exactly the same numbers , mine was a 1976 last 3 on the tail "356" - loved that bird.

[@steveatx8295]

so overall what is the best airplane single engine, range over 1100 knm, price under 125K$

[@skyforce2132]

What about an Aero commander 500S? some are at a very good price and the cabin is huge!!